Day One of the Provincial Chapter 18

The 18thProvincial Chapter of the Province of Mary Help of Christians has officially begun! It started off on the quadrangle lawn next to the chapel at Salesian Retreat centre, in Lysterfield. Fr. Phil Gleeson, Moderator of the chapter, welcomed all those present. He then invited the provincial, Fr. Frank Moloney, to read out the names of every individual member of the chapter. Each member responded “present” as their names were read out by the provincial.

Members then moved into the conference room for the opening liturgy, prepared by Fr. Brian Ahern. Significant symbols such as a bowl of water, the Salesian logo, globe, fishing net, bread and fish were used in the liturgy. Those symbols represent the five pillars or the focus of the chapter:

Starting Afresh from Don Bosco

Quality of Salesian Life in Community

Mission Focus

New Frontiers, and

Vocation Recruitment

The members then processed across to the chapel to continue on with the opening liturgy. At the conclusion, Fr. Frank Moloney announced that the Provincial Chapter 18 is officially opened.

An introductory session was held after dinner to approve the draft timetable of the chapter, to select some chair persons, and minutes secretaries within the chapter members.